Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai

Mumbai, Aug 10: For actor-turned-director Kayoze Irani, 2024 is a year to remember. His debut film Sarzameen, starring Kajol, Prithviraj Sukumaran and Ibrahim Ali Khan, holds an emotional place in his heart—not least because his father, celebrated actor-director Boman Irani, also made his directorial debut this year with The Mehta Boys.

Set in Kashmir, Sarzameen follows Colonel Vijay Menon (Prithviraj Sukumaran), a dedicated Army officer torn between duty and family when his son Harman (Ibrahim Ali Khan) is radicalised by terrorists. The film explores the clash between national service and parental love, with a twist involving Kajol’s character that has divided audiences.

In an exclusive conversation, Kayoze recalled showing a rough cut of the film to his family. “I was nervous. When it ended, no one got up. I thought it had gone badly, but they were in tears—it was their son’s film,” he shared. He credits his parents’ unwavering belief, even through his school struggles with dyslexia, for helping him reach this point.

Boman Irani appears briefly in the film as Lt. Gen. I S Kanwar, which Kayoze calls his “good luck charm.” “There’s no way he could have said no with my mother around,” he quipped, adding that directing his father meant balancing familial warmth with professional respect.

Kayoze praised the diverse cast: Kajol’s instinctive preparation, Prithviraj’s meticulous research into Army life, and Ibrahim’s fresh energy after six months of workshops. “We tapped into Ibrahim as a person, and he brought that into Harman,” he said.
On the much-debated twist in Kajol’s role, Kayoze stood firm. “It was in the script from day one. Some loved it, some didn’t. I stand by it, but I’ll work harder to get everyone on board next time.”

Despite mixed reviews, the young director says his Instagram is flooded with love from across India. “It’s a cocktail of appreciation and constructive criticism. I’m touched—and onto the next,” he concluded.